PRIVATE security guards could be given special powers to patrol Boscombe precinct and confiscate alcohol, move on beggars and stop cyclists.

Uniformed officers employed by Guarding UK could be trained to patrol the precinct during business trading hours and tackle antisocial behaviour.

Their powers could include taking names and addresses of people committing relevant offences or causing antisocial behaviour, requiring people drinking in designated places to surrender alcohol, requiring people under the age of 18 to surrender alcohol, dealing with begging and stopping cyclists.

The possibility of introducing a Community Safety Accreditation Scheme was discussed at the last meeting of the Boscombe Business Association.

Guarding UK, the security firm for the Sovereign Centre, will apply to become a nationally accredited CSAS company and apply to the Chief Constable of Dorset Police to run the scheme in Boscombe.

Bournemouth council has agreed to pay £60,000 for the first year of the scheme, it will then be up to Boscombe businesses to fund it if they want it to continue.

Cllr Jane Kelly, cabinet member for partnerships and regeneration, said: “The Boscombe Regeneration Partnership, which includes Bournemouth Council and Dorset Police, fully support the proposal for introducing this scheme to Boscombe.

“The dedicated patrols would provide a reassuring presence in the area for both residents and traders whilst providing the officers with powers to tackle low-level crime and disorder.

“This would increase the presence in the precinct to tackle antisocial behaviour and low level offences, adding to the resource the police already provide.”

Radios to keep in contact

THERE are also plans for a ‘Business Watch’ initiative, which would provide shop owners with radios to make contact to the control room if problems occur.

Sovereign Shopping Centre manager Ray McGlynn said: “Both schemes aim to increase feelings of safety and security in the precinct, as well as increasing trade.

“We hope that the local area support us and work with us to progress these schemes in the area.”